CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride visited the Central Convenience Store and Post Office in Copplestone on Friday, February 7, which was recently victim to an appalling robbery, with a masked intruder taking around £4,500.

It is the second time in two-and-a-half years that the store has been targeted.

Mr Stride was joined by Copplestone Parish Council Chairman and Mid Devon District Councillor Stuart Penny who organised the meeting.

Speaking after the visit Mr Stride said: “This was a serious crime and although no members of staff were physically hurt, there will no doubt be a long-term psychological effect of the robbery which will not be easy to overcome.

“I have communicated with Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez about the incident and have asked to be kept updated as the police pursue the person responsible.”

Councillor Penny added: “It is important that we rally round as a community and make sure the store and Post Office know they have our support.

“We would again encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any information to contact the police by telephoning 101 or emailing: [email protected], quoting crime reference CR/003270/20. ?Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by telephoning 0800 555111 or via their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org .ORDER YOUR DIGITAL EDITION HERE